Solar tracking project

To enhance the hands-on experience of the students, we ran a group project in the course SEE6101 (Energy Generation and Storage Systems) where students were asked to design, build, test and programme a solar tracker. The objective of the project is to build a movable stage to put a solar panel, such that the stage will tilt according to the direction of sunlight to maximize the energy collected by the solar panel during a fixed period of time. The teams were provided with a solar panel with voltage regulator, a construction set with sensors and motors and a power bank, and they were free to make into any robot they like.

The final test was a field test at Shek O beach on 23 Dec 2017. Students assembled at Shek O beach early to set up the robot, and the test began at 10am. During the test, students and guests enjoyed delicious BBQ food and a nice gathering. It turned out to be a challenging day for solar tracking because it was cloudy on that day, and it was also the shortest day of the year. Nonetheless, students were able to enjoy a “feast” of innovative designs and had a good time.